# Department Lead Checklist

Agentnoon is designed to be intuitive — most users complete these steps in their first session.

This checklist covers the key workflows for managers planning department changes, team growth, and reorganizations.

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## Quarterly Planning

Use this workflow for regular quarterly planning cycles.

### Preparation

1. Review current team structure and headcount
2. Identify hiring needs for next quarter
3. Anticipate potential attrition
4. Gather budget information from Finance

### Create Scenario

1. Click "Create Scenario"
2. Name it clearly (e.g., "Q2 2026 Engineering Plan")
3. Choose Full Org or filter to your department
4. Add a description explaining the planning scope
5. Click Create

### Model Changes

1. Navigate to your team in the org chart
2. Add new positions with hire dates, salaries (use rate cards if available), and manager assignments
3. Close positions expected to turn over and set termination dates
4. Add backfill positions with hire dates after departures

### Analyze & Submit

1. Open the OpEx Panel to view net headcount and cost changes
2. Switch to Forecast view to see monthly/quarterly ramp
3. Export forecast data for budget meetings
4. Share the scenario link with stakeholders for feedback
5. Submit for approval via the OpEx Panel

**Learn more:** [Building Headcount Forecasts](/forecast/building-headcount-forecasts.md)

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## Organizational Changes

Use this workflow for reorganizations, restructures, and reporting changes.

### Preparation

1. Document the goals of the reorganization
2. Sketch out the new team structure
3. Identify positions that will move and any new positions needed

### Create Scenario

1. Click "Create Scenario"
2. Name it describing the change (e.g., "Q2 Engineering Reorg")
3. Choose Full Org and add a detailed description
4. Click Create

### Model New Structure

1. Create new management or lead positions first
2. Move existing positions by dragging cards to new reporting relationships (or edit the "Manager" field)
3. Close redundant positions and set termination dates
4. Use effective dates if changes are phased over time

### Validate & Submit

1. Check Span of Control for all managers (typical range: 4-10 direct reports)
2. Verify all positions have correct managers and no broken reporting relationships
3. Share the scenario with stakeholders (HR, peer managers, leadership)
4. Submit for approval via the OpEx Panel

**Learn more:** [Planning a Reorganization](/reference-guides/overview/planning-reorganization.md)

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## Additional Resources

* [Scenarios Overview](/scenarios/overview.md)
* [Creating Scenarios](/scenarios/creating-scenarios.md)
* [Making Position Changes](/scenarios/using-scenarios-basics/making-position-changes.md)
* [Time-Based Planning](/scenarios/time-based-planning.md)
* [Span of Control Analysis](/reference-guides/overview/span-of-control-analysis.md)
* [Quick Start Checklist](/reference-guides/quick-start-checklist.md)


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